MS HB194

Requires every student entering kindergarten, first grade, or enrolling for the first time in a Mississippi public, private, or parochial school to have a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, effective July 1, 2016

Comprehensive eye examination must include visual acuity, ocular alignment and motility, depth perception, fusion, slit lamp examination, and cycloplegic refraction/dilated fundus examination when appropriate

Parents must submit proof of examination (conducted within previous 6 months) within 30 days of the school year start; schools may withhold report cards for non-compliance but cannot exclude students from attendance

Establishes a six-member advisory committee of eye care professionals (three optometrists and three ophthalmologists) appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House to oversee both the mandatory examination and vision screening programs

State Department of Health shall cover additional eye examination costs not covered by insurance or public assistance, capped at the state Medicaid reimbursement rate